Widely respected as a transportation issues expert, Bernard “Bernie” Lieder also held a wealth of knowledge on other issues important to northwest Minnesota, said Roger Moe, former MInnesota Senate majority leader.
“He had a focus on veterans’ issues, making sure our students had good opportunities, and on agricultural and natural resources issues,” Moe said.
Lieder, 97, died Aug. 23 in Crookston, according to a Grand Forks Herald death notice. Arrangements are pending with Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston.
Lieder, a DFLer from Crookston, served as a representative of Minnesota District 2A from 1985 to 2002, and after redistricting, represented Minnesota District 2B from 2003-3210. Besides the transportation committee, Lieder served on several others during his time in the Legislature, including agriculture, rural economics and veterans affairs.
As a child growing up near Red Lake Falls, Minn., in the 1980s, Lieder’s was among the legislators whose name was familiar to Shela Capistran. When Capistran became an adult and was active in the Minnesota DFL, she enjoyed working with Lieder at the party's events and chauffeuring him in parades, she said.
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“He was a hoot to drive around in parades as he could smile, wave, say 'hi' to everyone – all the while keeping up a running commentary to me," said Capistran, who now lives near Ada, Minn.
Lieder, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII, in 2008, was honored by the Minnesota Legislature with other veterans. From 1943 to 1946, Lieder served as a combat infantryman. Because he was fluent in German, he also interpreted for his Army company. During the end of his legislative career, Lieder was the last World War II veteran in the Minnesota House.
Moe, who knew Lieder for decades, said he simply was a good man.
“I was honored to call him friend. From what I know about Bernie Lieder, anyone who ever met him would use words like a 'gentleman,' 'civil,' 'honest,'" said Moe, adding that honesty carried through to LIeder’s professional life as a Polk County Highway engineer and in his political life.
“Just a great, great guy,” he said.
“Smart, humble, compassionate, effective, encouraging, available – that was Bernie," Capistran said.
